The Inspiration Place

Latest Episodes:

202: Creativity Rules the World with Maria Brito and Miriam Schulman Jul 19, 2022

Show notes

When you pause and consider the many ways creativity is expressed, it feels overwhelming and beautiful. Beyond painting, drawing, digital art, and watercolor, there's music, fashion, interior design, and even the world of business and creative problem-solving.

Today's guest, Maria Brito, is in over 13 years deep into the art scene from an indirect and surprising path. From a Harvard graduate to a corporate attorney, Maria is an award-winning, New York-based contemporary art advisor, entrepreneur, author, and curator. She shares how her journey into art is rooted in writing blogs featuring artists, and how that has shaped her journey leading to the release of her first book, Creativity Rules the World, The Art and Business of Turning Your Ideas into Gold.

Maria takes us deep into the world of art and creativity as it relates to business.

"Creative process is nothing more than your unique ability to come up with ideas of value that are relevant and that you know you can execute." -Maria Brito

Key areas we explore for artist and creative appreciation:

Focus on the experience of creating and selling your art, not the transaction
Building your art business can be enjoyable, fulfilling, and financially rewarding
There are parallels between your art and the business you are building

"Artists are always attuned to the here and now and expressing that human aspect through their work" -Maria Brito

Maria has turned a career of very little to no freedom as a corporate attorney around into the world of art and appreciation, and now elevates artists, their stories, and their work in a way that allows her to live a much more fulfilling life.

Her book is about making creativity work for your business and recognizing art as the inexhaustible resource it is that is available to everyone in a thriving world.

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/202

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🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

Don't forget to check out the Inspiration Place goodie bag. Go pick up your party favor over at SchulmanArt.com/freebies. Whether you're a passionista or a passion professional, I've got something just for you.

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🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast

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BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

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I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

201: Your Values Matter with Shubhashree Sangameswaran and Miriam Schulman Jul 12, 2022

Show notes

Unlike many careers you can commit to, art and creativity is unique for many reasons. You may find other skillful careers people do as a side hustle in addition to their day job, but unless it's creative work, how many accountants are doing taxes because it just feels good to their soul and their mental health?

Art releases dopamine, it is therapeutic, and often it's a form of self-expression and self-care. The list of benefits for amateurs and professionals are equally powerful.

In this episode, Shubhashree Sangameswaran joins me and discusses all the ways art has added value to not only her life, but to the lives of others. It's truly a gift that keeps giving when you find a way to align it perfectly with your values.

Shubhashree started her work career as an engineer and didn't reignite her passion for art until several years later. She is an illustrator, former artist and activist for sustainability. Though she left her career in engineering, Shubhashree is mindful of her role within society and its impact on her children. She lives a life aligned with her values through her art as an online instructor and creator.

Key lessons with Shubhashree for everyone:

A daily art practice for yourself has huge benefits in your self-care
Being curious creates new paths and opportunities if you allow it
You can use your art to spread positivity and messages of sustainability
Pivoting careers for what makes you feel alive and connected is possible even for a mother with a full-time career in engineering

"Taking the time out to draw every single day for 100 days, in some way felt like I was just taking some part of the day back to myself" -Shubhashree Sangameswaran

Shubhashree has been creating journals and illustrations for the Brooklyn Art Project dedicated to sustainability. You can check out both of her books Slowing Down and Let's Talk Trash to support the cause.

For Free Watercolor Resources:

Check out Miriam's Watercolor Supply List

Check out Miriam's Watercolor Portrait Masterclass

Follow Miriam at Schulman Art Instagram

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/201

++++++++++++++++++++

🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

++++++++++++++++++++

🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

++++++++++++++++++++

BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++

I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

200: Radical Reinvention with Miriam Schulman Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

Reinventing yourself can sound intimidating, it may sound like betrayal on some level, and it can even feel inauthentic to some. To others, reinvention is an opportunity for rebirth and realizing your full potential.

People often reinvent themselves to let go of what no longer serves them, get to new heights of success, and shed what they don't like about themselves. Reinvention is something you can totally embrace as an artist and a creative as you grow in skill and move through different phases of your life.

"Commit to reinvent yourself, to know that real growth happens in a place of discomfort." Les Brown

Inspiration Place Podcast is celebrating its 200th episode with a Free Coaching Podcast Party! To help celebrate this occasion, leave a review for Inspiration Place Podcast on your favorite podcasting app, take a screenshot and fill out a short form and submit a coaching question for me by July 15, 2022. You may be one of the 20 winners selected to win an Amazon Gift Card. Everyone who submits a review will be invited to the Free Coaching Podcast Party.

In this episode, I'm sharing my story of radical reinvention. Moving several times in my childhood created the desire, the need, and the opportunity to reinvent who I was and how I was showing up for others, and most importantly for myself.

Reinvention is a tool available to you at any time:

Declaring yourself an artist and believing it for yourself
Embracing your inner weirdo and not vilifying what makes you different
Navigating the different phases of life, pain, and discomfort

"This new identity explained my unique ability to look at ordinary things and see something that others didn't." -Miriam Schulman

Episodes Mentioned:

The Belief Triad

Embrace Your Inner Weirdo

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/200 ++++++++++++++++++++

🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

++++++++++++++++++++

🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

++++++++++++++++++++

BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++

I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

199: World Watercolor Month with Charlie O'Shields and Miriam Schulman Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Pablo Picasso

Whether this is a proven fact or not is irrelevant. What matters is that there is an innate connection between children and creativity in all forms. Whether it's through paint, imagination, or creative play in a universe far, far away, there is an inner child in each of us that could help our creative juices and inspire in new ways.

"Treat your inner child well and make sure you give it plenty of things to keep its imagination growing" -Charlie O'Shields

Today's guest, Charlie O'Shields is a Creative Director by day with side hobbies and projects that absolutely light up the world. He started a blog and a 2000-day art journey in 2015 that became the Doodlewash blog and so much more. He's authored multiple books helping people connect to their inner child and "create like a kid again." Charlie also founded Watercolor month which is a nonprofit 31-day challenge and community dedicated to watercolor painting.

In addition to being all around amazing, Charlie shares:

How to show up, practice, and share your work
Encouraging people to get creative
How Happy Hour turned into much more than art
The inspiration for World Watercolor Month in July

"It's just a matter of doing creative things on a regular basis. And it's not just doing them, it's a practice, everything in life is a practice. - Charlie O'Shields

Even if art is your business and something you take seriously, Charlie echoes a great reminder that adding fun into your work and a bit of joy goes a long way for the people that see it and feel it in your art. Remember to give your inner child the space it needs to play, stay creative, and keep imagining.

If you want access to my free masterclass and workbook:

5 Simple Steps to Painting Portraits

My Watercolor Supply List

Follow me at SchulmanArt Instagram

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/199

++++++++++++++++++++

🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

++++++++++++++++++++

🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

++++++++++++++++++++

BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++

I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

198: Radiant Wild Heart with Shereen Sun and Miriam Schulman Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

One of the best parts of being creative is deciding to live with intention, on purpose, with passion and heart. Art cannot be contained and restrictive. It's meant to be liberating for the artist and a sacred escape from a world that judges and sometimes lacks the vibrant colors of the artistic spirit.

Today's guest, Shereen Sun, Founder of Radiant Wild Heart, embodies the rebellious spirit of a true artist. She is a multiple six-figure creativity mentor that identifies as a queer Muslim American woman who is also neurodivergent. Like Miriam, she too is in the process of writing her first book.

If you've considered or are still pondering writing a book, whether you are going the traditional path or self-publishing, this episode is such a great resource and opportunity to gather two book writing experiences at once. Shereen is publishing her first book, Radiant Wild Heart while still running her business.

In addition to the book writing journey, some other key points touched on include:

The importance of sharing your values and authenticity
Living your creative mission and nurturing your inner artist
Living your truth, coming out queer, and attracting the right people to your brand

"When you tell your story, your real story, and you come out of the closet and say who you really are, what your values are, and what you love to do, you're going to attract the right people where you don't have to hide anymore" -Shereen Sun

If you want in on the Artist Incubator program:

Check out the Mastermind Track or

Check out the Self Study Track

Schulman Art Instagram

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/198

++++++++++++++++++++

🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

++++++++++++++++++++

🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

++++++++++++++++++++

BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++

I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

197: Painting with Joy: A Conversation with Artist Joy Ting Charde and Miriam Schulman Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

When you're just getting started and getting your feet wet in a new space, it's natural to look around and study the industry standards and norms. Obsessing over what you should do, how you should look, how you should be showing up can be paralyzing. Even worse, when you arrive and no one there looks like you, the thought of running away is hard to ignore.

Think about this…

There is no one path into art. There is no standard or art norms that should keep you from playing with and pursuing what makes you come to life. Art is healing and beautiful and has a universal song that sounds different to every artist out here.

Artists come in many shades and complexities from countless paths to find the creative spark that brings them to life. Today's guest, Joy Ting Charde, ignited her creative spark as a way to communicate with her teacher and other students when she was new in the U.S. and couldn't speak English.

Even still, her journey to art came after becoming an elementary school teacher. Not having professional training, working a full-time job that she actually enjoys is the part of this artist that is perhaps most relatable and familiar.

Joyful Takeaways for Non-Traditional Artists:

A great journey can start with a small 7 day challenge
Taking fun courses that spark your interests and curiosity can be life changing
Like the Alchemist, journeys often take us full circle
Having a fulfilling artistic journey doesn't mean you have to leave your 9 to 5

"Give yourself a little challenge, and who knows, you might fall in love with it and end up doing the same kind of creative work for a long time." -Joy Ting Charde

Joy started art licensing and has an agent, but her path there was not linear. The roads don't have to make sense, you just have to show up willing to explore and be open to changes. Give yourself a chance to fall in love with new creative work.

Check out Miriam's Free Water Color Supply List

Schulman Art Instagram

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/197

++++++++++++++++++++

🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

++++++++++++++++++++

🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

++++++++++++++++++++

BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++

I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

196: The Taboo Technique with Miriam Schulman Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

Let's talk about the dirty secret most professional artists don't want you to know about. Before you go any further, it's important to note that this episode isn't about shaming or challenging anyone's talents or skills as a portrait artist. It's about giving you the inspiration you need to try a new medium of art with a skill that can be developed with time and practice.

Using photography, projectors, and tracing is a secret most portrait artists won't talk about, but it's been used by artists in some form since as early as the 1600s, if not earlier.

In this episode, I share how famous artists such as Johannes Vermeer, who painted The Girl with a Pearl Earring, and Norman Rockwell, an American painter known for his illustrations, also used photography and projection to create portraits.

I am convinced that watercolor is the medium for creating portraits, and if you've never done so before, my Watercolor Portrait Academy gets into more details. You can watch me paint, and you can learn how I use these techniques to create amazing portraits.

Knowing this taboo technique is a game-changer for so many people. A few things I think you'll need to know about watercolor and this artist's secret is:

There is no shame in using these techniques to create your own portraits
You can totally elevate your skill level and confidence
Using these techniques is a creative art of its own

"By calling out these other artists is not to shame anybody [...], but to let you know there's no shame in doing this. There's no shame in using photography and your art." -Miriam Schulman

Episode mentioned you'll want to check out also:

How Portraits Can Turn Passion into Profits

Check out Miriam's Favorite Art Supplies

Miriam's free resources

Schulman Art Instagram

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/196

++++++++++++++++++++

🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉

++++++++++++++++++++

🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE!

++++++++++++++++++++

BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++

I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

195: Painting Happiness: Art as a Form of Self-Development with Terry Runyan and Miriam Schulman May 31, 2022

Show notes

Doing the things you don't feel qualified to do while stepping out of the ordinary, mundane existence to allow yourself the space to show up is more than terrifying. Imposter syndrome is real! If you consider the most creative and amazing people you know, it's safe to say that their greatness came on the other side of a lot of internal dialogue.

Terry Runyan is a visual artist and creative encourager that totally understands the inner struggles that take place for artists and creatives. She's a published author, teacher, YouTuber, and fun artist with licensed work you can see here.

"It's not that the perfectionism, or the imposter syndrome, or any of that inner critic stuff doesn't come up. I just see it for what it is, and I know who I am." -Terry Runyan

Terry's creative path to uncover an artist's wisdom:

Drawing and painting from a very young age
Licensing her artwork
Overcoming perfectionism
Struggling with self-worth
Mindset and mediation practices
Thoughts are not necessarily true

"Creativity is just there, whether we feel it or not. If we're not feeling it, it's only because our thinking is going around and telling us we're blocked or that we don't have that talent, but we can ignore that thinking" - Terry Runyan

Terry's openness and vulnerability about her journey is a reminder of what lies on the other side of the mental struggles we go through. You have to put in the work and wrestle with thoughts, even when the thoughts feel like a fact, and you're certain they must be true.

Growth is a journey, and the path for a creative can get really tough without a strong mindset.

Don't forget to check out Terry's book, Painting Happiness, where she gets into ways to deal with your inner critic, mindfulness, and perfectionism.

Also, check out Schulman Art's Mindset Playlist and Miriam's Favorite Art Supplies for Art Journaling

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/195

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎉FREE GOODIES!🎉 Don't forget to check out the Inspiration Place goodie bag. Go pick up your party favor over at SchulmanArt.com/freebies. Whether you're a passionista or a passion professional, I've got something just for you. ++++++++++++++++++++ 🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast ++++++++++++++++++++ BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories! ++++++++++++++++++++ I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

194: The Art of the Travel Journal with Abbey Sy and Miriam Schulman May 24, 2022

Show notes

Journaling has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It's known to help with finding inspiration as well. Since you are here, it's a safe bet you too are looking for inspiration. We are deep diving into creative art journaling.

Creative journaling, also known as visual journaling and art journaling, is known to today's guest, Abbey Sy, as travel journaling. Abbey is a published author, creative, influencer, and YouTuber with more than 40K subscribers.

In today's conversation, Abbey details her creative experiences, combining her love for travel with editing, producing and so much more.

Travel journaling and creativity with Abbey Sy:

Producing YouTube content and creative direction
Having her travel journals published as zines
Documenting life on paper to make art more accessible
Going through a creative energy slump
Who is the future Abbey?
Detailed account of being published

"Travel journaling has a really special place in my heart, and I really would like to share that with other people, and with others who would want to know more about it." - Abbey Sy

Abbey's obsession with art and her work ethic has created the opportunity to publish 7 books on all things creative and artsy, from hand lettering to calligraphy to her travel journals. Because creatives sometimes struggle with disciplined organization and productivity, Abbey also shares her best tip for staying productive.

"Enjoy the journey. Live in the moment and really embrace every part of it. The good, the bad, and all these little things that make it great." -Abbey Sy

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/194

++++++++++++++++++++ 🎤NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! If you loved this, I've got more inspirational episodes coming your way! Please make sure you hit the subscribe or follow button in your podcast app. And if you're feeling extra generous- leave me a review-- https://schulmanart.com/review-podcast

++++++++++++++++++++ BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++ I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

193: Creating an Art Certification Program for Art Journal Techniques with Rakefet Hadar May 17, 2022

Show notes

Journaling is well known for reducing stress and anxiety while allowing you to process emotions and go deeper into self-discovery. Art therapy also has very similar effects and can boost your confidence while allowing you to express yourself. When you combine art therapy into a form of journaling, something magical is created that can really lead to transformation and healing. For many people, art journaling can be a gift that allows you to connect with your inner child.

Rakefet Hadar is an art therapist, author, mentor, and facilitator that not only guides people, but also teaches others how to find their version of joy through healing their wounds. She joins Miriam in this special episode to explain and inspire you to create your own Soul Pages.

Soul Pages and Art Journaling with Rakefet:

Finding inspiration through traveling and nature
What exactly is visual art journaling
Rakefet's 7 elements of visual journaling
The intention behind visual journaling and soul pages
Rakefet's journey teaching others and starting an international mentor program

"Try to connect to your inner child, because I think that's like the most empowering part of you, [...] and joyful parts of you can be activated if you connect to your inner child." -Rakefet Hadar

Rakefet's journey is about connection and exploration with yourself. It's not necessarily about being a professional artist. It's about transformation and healing through the essence of what connects to your soul.

"Connect to those parts that help you thrive and dream and achieve your goals." -Rakefet Hadar

For full show notes, go to schulmanart.com/193

++++++++++++++++++++ BTW If you pop your Instagram handle at the end of the review, I'll even give you a shout out over on my IG stories!

++++++++++++++++++++ I'd love to chat with you on Instagram: http://instagram.com/schulmanart

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